Database Users

[Q] .apk downloads on non rooted SF

I am a noob to this phone, but not a noob at rooting things. My question is I go through these forums and see .apk things that are awesome. I will not install if it requires root, but can I screw things up by installing an .apk that needs root on a non rooted phone. I understand it won't work, but will I mess my phone up.
I ask these questions because back in the ol day with the G1 rooting was pretty new thing (easier), but with all these android running phones and more work to root the last thing I want to do is screw my phone up installing some of these .apks.
I appreciate all your help. If this has been covered before please guide me to a link.

no they will do nothing

If y are not a noob at "rooting things" how can u not know that it wont do anything. Its just an app like any other. It just wont function without root access. Don't be afraid to ask if u are a complete noob, we have ALL been there.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Haha.. Thanks boys for the reply. As for the noobieness, yeah you could say that, but when I started rooting my G1 things weren't this far advanced. I haven't ventured into rooting this cause I am scared and I will think it about it more once (if ever we get Froyo.)
Thanks again.

Well glad that's outta the way. This phone has files to recover it fully and nothing short of flashing something in the "phone" portion of Odin cab actually brick this phone and that can now be fixed sans SMS messages. Either way, read up, dive in, enjoy.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Rooting Guide For A Noob

i have searched but not knowing exactly what to search for is no all that helpful.
i am familiar with ubuntu(been using that on laptops since 8.04) and i can tinker with the terminal (by followng someone else's instructions)
but as far as android, 100% new.
i'm considering rooting my device.
i have learned by reading about what rooting is and the uses.
what i'm looking for is guide or links to more information/read.
what application do i need to get to root my device?
how do i start? what do i do?
i just need a to be pointed in the right direction so i can learn more.
thanks

viper3ez said:
i have searched but not knowing exactly what to search for is no all that helpful.
i am familiar with ubuntu(been using that on laptops since 8.04) and i can tinker with the terminal (by followng someone else's instructions)
but as far as android, 100% new.
i'm considering rooting my device.
i have learned by reading about what rooting is and the uses.
what i'm looking for is guide or links to more information/read.
what application do i need to get to root my device?
how do i start? what do i do?
i just need a to be pointed in the right direction so i can learn more.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you want to post questions in the Q&A section. Second, look here.
A simple search will save you from getting flamed in these forums. The thread I linked was listed at the very top of the development section.

Christopher3712 said:
First, you want to post questions in the Q&A section. Second, look here.
A simple search will save you from getting flamed in these forums. The thread I linked was listed at the very top of the development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
th many other threads
thank you.
i have read that along with many other threads.
problem is, being new, i am yet to understand what the program "visionary" is or where to get the right version
other terms like like radio=off are new to me.
i'm not slow but some of these guides are written with an audience already familiar with rooting in mind.
for someone using their first android phone and trying to root it, a little help is needed so i dont turn my new phone that cost me 2 years of wireless liberty in a paperwheight

viper3ez said:
th many other threads
thank you.
i have read that along with many other threads.
problem is, being new, i am yet to understand what the program "visionary" is or where to get the right version
other terms like like radio=off are new to me.
i'm not slow but some of these guides are written with an audience already familiar with rooting in mind.
for someone using their first android phone and trying to root it, a little help is needed so i dont turn my new phone that cost me 2 years of wireless liberty in a paperwheight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, try this thread, and if you don't understand that, you probably should not mess with your phone. I'm totally not being mean here. But if you don't understand the previous helper's link or the one I'm sending you, you could easily brick your phone and be totally screwed. The guides posted that we linked to are pretty straightforward.
But, to answer one of your questions, VISIONary is an Android app listed in the Android Market that some of the XDA Developer GENIUSES wrote. It's basically the first step in permanently rooting your phone. It can run a discovered exploit in this group of devices and gain 'temporary root'. Which basically means that if you rebooted your phone after gaining temp root, the root would we removed from memory. But, by gaining temp root, you can run superuser level commands which will provide the full root (which doesn't disappear after reboots). This used to have to be entered manually, but again, the geniuses who wrote VISIONary folded this functionality into the app.
BTW, u asked about S=OFF. In the Hboot section of your phone (when you hold the VOLUME DOWN button and POWER button together from a shut off phone), it displays certain firmware information about your phone. 'S' refers to Security (I think), and the '=OFF', is, well, off. So it's supposed to mean the Security's turned off on your phone.

See, I have read about VISIONary and know what it does. Problem is I cant find it in the market place. Rrquested a download link and used QR, neither worked. I dont care about anyone being mean over the net as far as I get the help I need like you gave. I'm new to android and not stupid so I think I can handle rooting a phone.
I intend to keep reading to learn bit I still ne er d help with things like absence of visionary from the marketplace.
Btw is there an alternative for VISION ary?
1337squirrel said:
Well, try this thread, and if you don't understand that, you probably should not mess with your phone. I'm totally not being mean here. But if you don't understand the previous helper's link or the one I'm sending you, you could easily brick your phone and be totally screwed. The guides posted that we linked to are pretty straightforward.
But, to answer one of your questions, VISIONary is an Android app listed in the Android Market that some of the XDA Developer GENIUSES wrote. It's basically the first step in permanently rooting your phone. It can run a discovered exploit in this group of devices and gain 'temporary root'. Which basically means that if you rebooted your phone after gaining temp root, the root would we removed from memory. But, by gaining temp root, you can run superuser level commands which will provide the full root (which doesn't disappear after reboots). This used to have to be entered manually, but again, the geniuses who wrote VISIONary folded this functionality into the app.
BTW, u asked about S=OFF. In the Hboot section of your phone (when you hold the VOLUME DOWN button and POWER button together from a shut off phone), it displays certain firmware information about your phone. 'S' refers to Security (I think), and the '=OFF', is, well, off. So it's supposed to mean the Security's turned off on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Well I care about the meanness, because I need to ask questions from time to time, and I DO search and read threads, so I know how it feels when someone gets uppity about your question.
Anyway, I think I was wrong about it being in the Market. It is posted as a thread in this sub-forum, or as link somewhere, but anyway, you have to download it from here. Best of luck!
Oh, and I'm not sure about alternatives to VISIONary, but I think the only alternative to it would be the original HTC G2 exploit, and whatever command-line stuff that entails. Dunno if that stuff was even posted online; it probably exists with the developer(s) who originally found the exploit.

Please post questions in the Q&A section.

A Newbie needs Help?

Hi Guys,ive had my A500 for a couple of weeks now and i love it -------- im a Tablet/Computer DUMMY, can you PLEASE tell me what is "ROOTING" ?
I ask as ive read a lot about it on here and wonder if i should do it.

I will give you a different view then some I would imagine. My answer is do not bother with "Rooting".
In short, it gives you access to the files you would not normally see or need on a normal usage basis.
I would suggest you continue to use the A500 as is with out rooting it until you either find the device simply does not function as you want, or you continue to read the threads and decide you wish to try it out.
Having said that and is found in another thread simply rooting is not dangerous. But, I would say if you are new to computers/tablets that little value would be added to your experience so simply enjoy your A500.

Thankyou for your reply

install a file manger from market
install the apk from the list in this link
if you are on 3.1 install version 1.3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228
once you downloade the file click and install the apk from you file manager
install acer recover installer from market
open the app and click install recovery rom 1.3 thor something
reboot to recovery and install what ever rom you like

Rooting grants you access to system files you would not normally have access to.
If you don't know what it is, or don't know what the risks are, I wouldn't recommend doing it ... But I can't stop you from rooting
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e

rooting
This gives you access to operation system files. Rooting your device is a must to get access to advance setting and change the way your tablet functions. First some reasons to not root
1.you avoid your warranty
2.you make your system easily available for mistakes to cause it to no longer being usable.
reasons average users root
1.can install advance control apps
2.can do complete backups thou not really need if you are not root access
3.hacks like the Netflix fix.adding ad-hoc support for tethering to phone
DO NOT ROOT UNTIL YOU DONT HAVE TO ASK THERR SIMPLE QUESTIONS
With that said all the answers are here in this forum.thanks to all the wonderful developers and advanced users.
Good luck. Empower yourself for a better android experience.
The blonde geeky chic

Thanks Guys and Gals----------think i wont bother at the moment,i will just spend more time learning about my Tablet!

cyberma007 said:
install a file manger from market
install the apk from the list in this link
if you are on 3.1 install version 1.3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138228
once you downloade the file click and install the apk from you file manager
install acer recover installer from market
open the app and click install recovery rom 1.3 thor something
reboot to recovery and install what ever rom you like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about? You should read the question & previous comments before you go & post up a how-to..

But if he want to do it, this would help
I am sure sooner or latter he will!

I don't want to be mean or anything, but your "tutorial" is kind of hard to understand ... And there already are thousands of tutorials on how to root.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S running a custom rom made of Rainbows, Unicorn Hair, and Pixie Dust.

Oh dear im sorry if ive upset people it was not my intention---------------
BUT thankyou for the "HOW TO " Im a newbie as i said and needing as much help as i can get with my A500 and yes im sure as i learn more i will want to "Root"

the merits of the root
For me, the root brought netflix, not sure if there is a way to get it yet without root. Yep, use my tab with netflix while i run my 5 miles in the gym (ok i walk most of the way, enough to see an entire movie, or email or whatnot. Worth the price of the tab right there.

leiko49 said:
For me, the root brought netflix, not sure if there is a way to get it yet without root. Yep, use my tab with netflix while i run my 5 miles in the gym (ok i walk most of the way, enough to see an entire movie, or email or whatnot. Worth the price of the tab right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not the only thing that a root can do
Sent from my magical HTC Wildfire S.

While I am not a dev, I have spent a great many years around *nix systems. Rooting, in itself, is not difficult nor dangerous. The danger is in the new abilities to modify system parameters which should be left alone by those without sufficient knowledge. Acer has provided a utility to allow for system restore and some backup abilities which should be sufficient for most new users. With android, as with any OS, knowledge is power. I usually suggest new users gain knowledge about the system before tampering with root.
I am new to the acer community but some of you may have seen me on the nook color or huawei s7 forums and I am starting development work on the webos forums. As I said before, I am not a dev (yet) but I believe everyone should understand a concept before blindly rushing into the fray.
I will get off my soapbox now and go play. Enjoy your new acer...
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

No Sticky tutorial for rooting on the current firmware?

just thought would be a good idea for someone with the vast knowledge on rooting and the different options
all there is
[Video Guide] How To Root Galaxy S4 I337 / I337m Easy & User Friendly [ 1 2 3 ... Last ] which just shows motochoper and is super old
im wondering if there is a root that wont trip knox an updated rooting sticky would be usefull to alot i believe
from what iv read so far was u can still us
cf autoroot but that will trip knox
iv been searching threw some other topics as once again no current stickies
anyways whats up with this method KINGO
this is a " " from someone else but not sure what to make of it is this a NEW safe method to root a mk6 bell s4 without tripping knox??
Kingo, against xda policy. Google kingo root, you'll find it. Cancel the knox pop up during root. After reboot, update supersu binaries, via normal method, and choose not to let supersu disable knox. Install titanium backup, freeze all knox processes using guides found here. Busybox, etc all works. If u install custom recovery, youll trip knox. Right now, just root is safe. Not responding to more root stuff, use the help forum for that, this thread is for stock fw. Lets not hijack it
anyways long story short a few updates stickys on rooting current firmware and the good and the bad would help
id post them myself but im only 3 months into android so just learning
thanks

duboisbrian said:
just thought would be a good idea for someone with the vast knowledge on rooting and the different options
all there is
[Video Guide] How To Root Galaxy S4 I337 / I337m Easy & User Friendly [ 1 2 3 ... Last ] which just shows motochoper and is super old
im wondering if there is a root that wont trip knox an updated rooting sticky would be usefull to alot i believe
from what iv read so far was u can still us
cf autoroot but that will trip knox
iv been searching threw some other topics as once again no current stickies
anyways whats up with this method KINGO
this is a " " from someone else but not sure what to make of it is this a NEW safe method to root a mk6 bell s4 without tripping knox??
Kingo, against xda policy. Google kingo root, you'll find it. Cancel the knox pop up during root. After reboot, update supersu binaries, via normal method, and choose not to let supersu disable knox. Install titanium backup, freeze all knox processes using guides found here. Busybox, etc all works. If u install custom recovery, youll trip knox. Right now, just root is safe. Not responding to more root stuff, use the help forum for that, this thread is for stock fw. Lets not hijack it
anyways long story short a few updates stickys on rooting current firmware and the good and the bad would help
id post them myself but im only 3 months into android so just learning
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason no stickies have been made/updated is probably because there are no confirmed safe methods. Kingo claims to have removed malicious code but it is still banned from XDA. There is a safe root available in the Verizon section that I believe works: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
The reason this hasn't been linked here is probably because it's new and few people check both sections for development progress. Also, I'm not sure if it's confirmed for us either.

DeadlySin9 said:
The reason no stickies have been made/updated is probably because there are no confirmed safe methods. Kingo claims to have removed malicious code but it is still banned from XDA. There is a safe root available in the Verizon section that works: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
The reason this hasn't been linked here is probably because it's new and few people check both sections for development progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been linked multiple times, just a matter of time before the root guides get updated.
Wait a a few days, and it'll happen.

jh64dsb877r said:
It's been linked multiple times, just a matter of time before the root guides get updated.
Wait a a few days, and it'll happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant linked in the actual guides, but yeah, I'm sure it will.

iv searched and read
that kingo addressed the imei issue xda had with them
what other issue does xda have with kingo that they are yet to address..??

duboisbrian said:
iv searched and read
that kingo addressed the imei issue xda had with them
what other issue does xda have with kingo that they are yet to address..??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were a few concerns between VROOT and Kingo, both connecting to a Chinese server, and the sending of IMEI's and other phone information along with pulling some binaries and the suspicious superuser app from VROOT. Another reason is that despite saying they are safe and have been fixed, they are both closed source and the devs will not reveal their methods. So basically it's all been shady business and XDA has left it up to users to decide if they want to take the risk and not endorse the program at all themselves.

okay i see
and i dont blame them for not wanting to reveal there methods as there is obviously some sort of money in doing this for them
and if they opened it up to xda devs then anybody can make another root process and kingo would loose all the traffic on there site
wondering why no xda devs can figure out root process when china can
guess shina smarter again lol
anyways thanks for all the info and help
love this forum

first Android phone - Galaxy S5 G900I

Hi all,
Just got my first Android phone (migrated from iOS to Windows Phone, now giving this a try).
It's a 2nd hand S5. Australian, Optus. Not sure if sim locked.
I reset the phone, and fully updated it (to 6.0.1)
It's got a truck load of bloatware on it, so I'd like to "fix" it. A mate pointed me here, but I really don't know where to start.
Ideally all I want is a completely clean OS, sim unlocked. Just a clean slate.
Can someone please point me in the right direction?

just root it, install titanium backup, grant it root rights and uninstall all the [email protected] you dont want. Welcome to the smartphone fray btw! If my reply didnt make sense, there are tons of tutorials that describe what i said to do, or i can get FAR more detailed. I just fear spending 20 minutes typing stuff that people already know

youdoofus said:
just root it, install titanium backup, grant it root rights and uninstall all the [email protected] you dont want. Welcome to the smartphone fray btw! If my reply didnt make sense, there are tons of tutorials that describe what i said to do, or i can get FAR more detailed. I just fear spending 20 minutes typing stuff that people already know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 1 : Root it! Thanks.
There seems to be about 1000 ways to root it, though. Is this thread the "best" way?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699648

BrisbaneJack said:
Step 1 : Root it! Thanks.
There seems to be about 1000 ways to root it, though. Is this thread the "best" way?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699648
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, that thread advises on usign towelroot. this one advises on cf autoroot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2737724